This year after a long hiatus caused by Covid we are back w a new feature, meeting like minded participants not just at the Jaffe Book Arts Ctr. on FAU campus. now also via ZOOM (first. Friday of each month).. overseas and U S states are able to visit with us. Wonderful! Not so intimate as we lost a few participants but very satisfying with our new friends.
Our ZOOM friends
I’ve got a stash of all kinds of cards given me as I volunteer w kids. I know I must send condolence cards, thank you so much, appropriate + birthdays always just around the corner. Although I like making and personalizing cards it’s about the initial reaction to the envelope that I take great care with.
Created at “Real Mail Friday“
The mail box is as important as your daily ck in on Social media. Most now consist of bills and political adverts ( just came thru an election). So getting something unique is the first envelope to be opened. A delightful surprise especially if it arrives unexpected.
Postcards from local High school
Our group got a request from a teacher in El Paso after a shooting asking to send mail to their school of encouragement after their traumatic event. Not only did we but we also asked the local High school Art teacher would his class like to participate. Mail can impact in so many ways. Good Mail!
This brings us to a Mail Art request. Great timing as it is Nat’l letter writing month. Please mail a piece of mail art. It will not be opened but put your e mail on back so that we can notify you of it’s arrival. A web site will be created for this purpose. Deadline is Sept. 15 2024 as Oct. 6 2024 we will be having a Mad Hatter Event. Envelopes will be displayed throughout our quirky little seaside town. Mad Hatter / Alice
WAS has been nurturing Art in Palm Beach County. This monthly meeting they had an interactive event with guest artist Patricia Lappin the 2023 Dina Baker Award for Mature Female Artists
Guest artist presenter
One of the benefits of WAS, they have great presenters monthly. Important for me is the wonderful scholarship program.Which nurtures young talented artists from local high schools, heading to college.
Each month new members join and share their journey and welcome guests.
Ms Lappin display
We share individual successes not as a look at me but as Pres. Heather Bergstrom said “to inspire everyone no matter at which level of their art practice they are”
Members are encouraged to bring a current work of art or their latest project and speak about it in the members spotlight.
Wellington Community Center features art in their hallways monthly and many other outside community venues. A wonderful group of artists that nurture not just the young up and coming, but one another at their monthly get together.
Any weekend wether on a Saturday or Sunday and should it happen to include the Palm Beach Urban Sketchers has positive expectations.
Palm Beach Urban Sketchers Throw-down at 11:45
Sketching in a busy location, such as the Farmer’s Market comes with challenges. Find the right spot, and visually document the activities on this perfect day.
I spotted a rack priced $10. I’ve been thrifting without luck for upcoming St. Paddy Day for something green.
Loud, garish, green, perfect!
It was a wonderful day watching the parade of colorful dresses many purchased right there .
A sea of garden colors, I spy green LOL
Into my 3rd sketch, I get a call from an incoming friend. We meet at UNA bakery. Now that has its own story. Sitting there It hits me, English spoken w accents, at the various tables. An international group is having their afternoon cafe so european. Moren than 6 nationalities are sitting here. What are the probabilities Jurgen at the bar. A Croatian, an American, English lass/Guatemalan, Austro-Hungarian (moi) as my friend noted here (UNA) “feels like I’m in Europe”.
I’m just around the corner from the Cultural Plaza where the annual Biblioarte was held this year. Walking up I hear our band.
“And the band played on”Volunteer from Greater WPB Women’s Group
Spent time with these lovely people seen above. Little did they know they were talking to a comic book enthusiast. That’s where I got my start in art. I handed her my sketch book to page thru. While I sketched their cover page. Fear is the thing that holds back so many artists. As I left, she jumped up and said “you inspired me”.
You inspired me!
Neither girls was offered an art class, not in the NEW Grazia High or LWHs, though they requested them. Now they have personalized blank books to go to town in.
The Guest of honor was Raul the Third. who individualized each book for the kids. Not just their name but an actual drawing in his style.
My neighbor
Tiana & Ella have their own Little Free Library around the corner from mine. Our kids are covered here in Royal Poinciana NA. You might know them from purchasing Girls Scout cookies from them at Publix.
Beautifully executed
Then on to more art at mTn art gallery. Spoke w Tina the curator, let her know what I thought of the blankets covered w spit. She impressed me by mentioning Ray Johnson as I mentioned the mail art envelope I had just received from Susan Guyaux, was far more skilled. BUT then I wandered into the other room. GO see that exhibition of Tarot Cards.
Once upon a time a village had many beautiful damsels. And another village of brothers needing wife’s. So one raided the other. Or based on a fairy tales maybe History.
our villages Beautiful young damselsThe water obstacle just 3 high jumps here x2Just in case you missed the action
I have to admit I go for the food. Crepes w strawberries sauce
Just a bit thicker than the traditional crepe
You don’t have to understand the language to enjoy the music and dance with joy
March 1, 2024 first Friday has once again returned to the Jaffe Center for Book Arts.
The next one, will be April 5, just in time for April’s National Letter Writing Month.
Romania, Texas, Ireland, Boca, Scotland, an international group of like minded intellectuals joined in this group, We who attended in person sat around a few tables. You can just glimpse us.
Our host moderating was Lake Worthian resident John Cutrone
This was satisfying in so many ways. Conversing with over seas friends. Putting pen to paper, creating handmade books, sharing aesthetic ideas, seeing collections of personal Libraries. It was a unique experience.
For myself seeing the operation of what goes on at a zoom meeting from the moderators point of view. Was an eye opener. I’ve attended Zoom mtgs. But this was different, new.
Artist books
A repository of over a thousand artistically handcrafted books, are housed here. As each is one of a kind. Most think of books as printed work bound in covers. Here it’s an aesthetic object.
Thank you card
Here the Jaffe Center for Book Arts allowed us to create, write long overdue letters. Etiquette decrees thank you notes should be hand written. Also mailed while the event is still fresh, 72 hours or before end of two weeks.
In a few days we will be inundated with a large crowd of spectators. Always on the same date, weekend right after the Presidents weekend, down in Coconut Groves Art festival. Only 60 miles apart and we are in tourist season.
It’s a two day weekend. This year might be a bit different as ownership has passed on to our city of Lake Worth Beach. Activities start the evening before with “A Taste of Lake Worth Beach”. streets are closed to traffic at this point and the town takes on a festive feel.
This is our first event of the season which is quickly followed by the “Midnight Sun Fest” on 3/3 weekend and at 1:00 p.m. Sunday the “Wife carrying” event takes place, not to be missed. Next on our calendar for our quirky town.?
Saturday the 16th . The much anticipated event, is a neighborhood fundraiser. Urban golfing through neighbors yards pools doghouses Flofing This year get your tickets asap. $30
Get your manage a deux together plus 2
Whoever wins the Green Jacket is ready for the next day . St. Paddy’s Day everyone’s favorite Holliday. Sunday March 17.
Everyone is Irish today
March 19. VOTE. VOTE
Next up Pride Fest one of the largest in South Florida another great event, with a community parade down to Bryant Park. March 23 +24
Painting by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt
Now all these events are sprinkled with art shows all thru south Florida.
EASTER. is around the corner
Then comes the Easter Egg Hunt the very next weekend
“Art Wars” livened up the Royal Poinciana artisan district last night. Welcomed by our community and attended by a who’s who of local dignitaries and art mavens. It was held at the HATCH. A little used venue for the arts, houses the CRA offices.
You could enter from either Lucerne or Lake Ave. It was jamming from young to old, thirsty for just this kind event.
Ck her postings for sip n paint classesHas public art on windows of Mandel Library HS teacher, surfer, Brent Bludworth
The artists of the actual Arts lofts had their very short show last week. Want to know who our artists of 33460 are I featured them on this blog originally in 2015
Some of the current CRA board dropped by
Our mayor Betty ReschCRA chair Carla Blockson
enjoying artist, this evening in the crowd.
WAS board memb. Jeannine Gmitter, Trina and Anthony Burks Sr. Watch for his upcoming Cultural Council exhibition. AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt founder of Royal Poinciana, galleriest + Curator of over 270 exhibitions.
Youngest exhibitor age 10
The music was pulsating, food trucks outside, not to be missed the actual exhibition inside. Just as many people inside as out
Arriving from a Compass event VP. Amy Shaw Of Tropical Ridge NA w date Manuel Gonzales the creative behind this event ( the tall one)
More artists
Jeffey Center for book arts at FAU has over a thousand original hand crafted books + in their vast collection, is one of hers.
Not just large paintings but also small works were available on display and for sale. Who won this night. Stay tuned
2024 has officially started for me. King Mango Strut set the tone. This year I was “Wicked” and put a call out to witches and Manwitches. 2 dropped out Esmeralda had a cold, missed the NAPC mtg. excused. The other last minute, who knows. It’s free will to participate.
It was a tight schedule via Tri-rail, next year earlier start so we can party with the crowd. Arrived precisely at two in the Grove station. The banana drops at two starting the parade.
The Krishna’s brought a big float from out of town
Fortune was good we were collected and deposited on site. (Knowing it was tight, I called in and reported our arrival at the transfer station. Was told “no worry we will hold the parade for you to 2:30.“. Having been a former Grand Marshal, I guess I had some clout, but actually it was drizzling, and everyone waited for the clouds to clear which they did, and turn into sunshine. At 2:30 no one had left and the parade commenced.
The ladies from my former Coconut Grove Woman’s Club
The parade spilled out from Commodore Plaza onto Grand Ave. music greeted us It was that big, being it was 40th anniversary. Here are some pictures of participating groups .
A “hello” to the Coconut Grove Drummers, only recognized one.**
We were #47 more than 58 make shift floats, groups parading, music trucks made its way through the very short parade route, and of course the hashers got their applause for disrupting the parade as they always do.
One of 35 hashers
We practice the dance in line, witches being a phenomena this year. Every community seems to be into Witches, Santa Barbara, in Connecticut even Delray there were so many witches out there this year. Marshall had brought a speaker, a last minute decision the night before, and we also picked up two more young students who decided they wanted to be in the parade. as predicted Barbies galore, some organize, but all were bundled together for us to see. All pink strutting their stuff.
New Hampshire witches
As we waited wandering through the crowd, greeting friends, old KMS volunteer workers it was now under new management and promoted by the City of Miami finally on our 40th anniversary. Guess they know where the money comes from. Tourism, the train was full, the people mover, the streets,l as where the restaurants overflowing. Could not get near Greenstreet Cafe.
The French witches doing dbl duty. only spoke French.
Here are some quotes. New Hampshire first timer “it was a lot of fun we had a very good time” from a seasoned strutter. Former Tea Party j ( white Queen) former Parking Fairy ( pink Flamingo). And the 2009 KMS participant “the most hip, loved the environmental ones”
Graffiti on high rises, see Krishna in background
Second time for artist Pedro, 2nd x for Marshal, 2nd time for Theresa
All the banned books were represented
How did we do the witches? Well, we were supposed to follow “PRISON TRUMP” SUV and at the last minute they switched us behind the drummers and Trump behind us so we had more than enough music to dance to. We where literally dancing to a different drummer. We did just fine. Loud applause greeted us. That’s what it’s all about Theresa Mangini one of our Lake Worth** participants got into the 10 p.m. news. We ended up in a Thai restaurant, had great food and wine.
Coconut Grove Drum Circle
few months from now there will be a rap party and all the parade footage edited with another blow out party.
We were fortunate to have with us performance artist, Daniela Viotti
Daniela Viotti
**. I initiated the drum circle oh so many years ago across the street of the Windisch-Hunt Fine Art Gallery after a trip to Woodstock.
Some days or weekends just take on a life if their own.
Had no specific plans, this Saturday. Friend from Miami a car buff indicated he’ bring up his little black caddy as the Palm Beach Urban Sketchers were going to be at the @RAGTOP Museum. Ok I’ll see you there ,
So started the flow of my unintentional weekend. It was one of the best turn outs. We always do a throw down at the end, later once colorized they appear on our FBSite. Sharing our results up close of the individual sketches.
Throw-down
Chatted with Dawn, also a like minded, go with the flow kind of person. An open studio scheduled at the West Palm Beach @Mandel Library. Starts at 1:00; So we go + joined in. No idea what we would paint, we showed up! Left my iPad home, look at some magazines for inspiration. Nope, my iPhone had images. Then I knew, I would at some point, paint render, Pasquale
Mi Novio
Here at the open studio I’m apt to take risks. Do not take risks in my studio. Always admired the multi colour portraits. I’m timid. So this will be my underpainting for a proper (traditional) oil painting. After wander about WPB playing tourist. Miss the red trolly, as I rode in the electric van. (Where to leave a tip.) Had a great Currie meal and home.
Pedro’s Birthday present. Surprise!
Sunday a day late but never to wish a friend happy Birthday @LaPytaya walking distance for us both. There I presented him with his gold-leaf portrait of himself. I’ll be working myself thru LaPytaya’s menu. I casually say I’m going to see MacBeth, do you know Shakespeare? Yes
He had it in school and holds two degrees. I’ve known Pedro for more than 10 years. First time we spoke one on one without interruption. I’ll meet him at 7 p.m. at the HaTCh
Jazz in the afternoon Bob Ross award winning musician at Mandel can you imagine!
In the middle of the afternoon, I went back to the Mantel library to listRoss
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MaxBeth and the 3 witches
Intermission we ran out for hot coffee it was friggin cold. Thank You CRA for allowing this to happen in your space. I always saw “Shakespeare in the Park” where ever I was , Woodstock, Coconut Grove. There would always be a summer presentation., just a Month ago on our Cultural Plaza this same group did A Midsummer Nights Dream . Lake Worth Beach should adopt this troupe, we certainly have the Parks.
Theatre in the round. Quite clever so I started to sketch waiting for curtain to go up LOL. There was none.
Tallest building in Lake Worth Beach is going through changes. It was just a few years ago that it paid off its mortgage. Since, it’s hard ships elevators not working some structural issues and the income not meeting the needs of the building.
To the rescue Related Industries, who just took over two buildings in West Palm Beach that went Sec.8 The guiding force through this transition is the PBHAuthority. Having attended meetings, one in January and one just last week. Each meeting had a full house.
This move requires the current residents to be an open book, very few were Internet savvy and the Palm Beach Housing Authority wanted everything via the computer PBHA had its work cut out that’s why all the extra meetings, basically handholding.
Lake Worth Beach friend. Formerly of. J st. Veteran & Minister
Numerous visits for inspections of every unit in this building All will get a face lift. I sat through the meetings and learned a lot.
Section 8 is not what we used to think it was or perceived to be. In the state of current economy/housing shortage It has saved and assisting a lot, in fact in Palm Beach County alone they handle 30,000 cases. That’s 39 municipalities.
Looking south. On other side of bldg. West Palm Beach sky line
Studios $1,383. 1 Bed $$1,691. 2 Bedroom. 2,069. Based on HUD fair market value for 33460. Cost to resident, 30% of your gross income. So it varies by individual then 70% is funded through HUD administered via PBHA.
PBHA addressing residents at January Meeting
In between there were many many meetings as these folks were skeptical “ no one will get my SS # “ was the mass cry of the residence group. used to their coveted privacy, background checks. Availability etc etc. there is no wait list.
As of today they are moving two floors at a time, starting August 14 for a period of one month. All will be housed elsewhere.then Sept 11 back to their renovated units. Some have already started packing in anticipation.
Artist Vee anticipating her move surrounded by boxes Studio apt. open concept
The amenities here are WIFI, Beauty Shop, LIBRARY, Shuffle Board court, exercise room, Clary’s Cafe on premises, computer Lab, social services. A plus, they can opt ton move to any of the other/out of state properties.
Debbie of our towns best kept Secret. Clary’s Corner Cafe Open for breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
Editors NOTE : a few years ago I wrote about the many available breakfasts available and you could eat in any of the 7 places a decent breakfast for $5 bucks. No more.
Art Dazzle Lake Worth Beach 